Benedetta J. LaRocca, 1927-2019

Born Nov. 6, 1927, in Bradys Bend, Pa., she was the daughter of Pasquale J. and Regina A. Silverio Fonzi.

Bertha was a 1945 graduate of Johnstown High School. On April 24, 1948, she married Evelino J. LaRocca at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Johnstown, Pa.. He preceded her in death on June 18, 2001.

She was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Bradys Bend, where she was a member of the Young at Heart Club. While in Youngstown, she was a member of the Immaculate Conception Parish and its Daughters of the Eucharist organization. At both parishes she was highly known for always being in the kitchen baking Easter bread, homemade kolachi and soups around the holidays for everyone to enjoy. She was also a member of the Sons of Italy Lodge 1484 in Bradys Bend and a member of the 500 Bid Card Club in Youngstown for more than 55 years. Her card club friends were all a part of her family and always there when she needed them. Bertha also enjoyed playing bingo.

Surviving are four sons; Pat (Marie) LaRocca of Phoenix, Ariz., Henry LaRocca of Massillon, Joseph (Kathy) LaRocca of Youngstown and Richard (Christine) LaRocca of Orlando, Fla.

Additionally, she was extremely proud of her eight grandchildren who called her Nana, Nicholas LaRocca, Jon Anthony (Kelli) LaRocca, Jimmy (Lauren) LaRocca, Jacqueline (Mark) Tate, Allison LaRocca, Nicole (Mark) Schroedel, Jennifer (Joe) Paris and Alexandria LaRocca.

She was enormously proud of her seven great-grandchildren, who affectionately named her “Big Nana,” Natalie and Jackson LaRocca, Carson and Sienna Schroedel, Ace LaRocca and Gianna and Nico Paris.

Bertha is also survived by two sisters, Lena (Pete) Omodio of Johnstown, Pa. and Linda (Ed) Maurer of Coppell, Texas. She was the surviving immediate member of the LaRocca family and has many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much as their Aunt Bert. She will always be remembered, loved, honored and cherished for her immeasurable and second-to-none hospitality.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Evelino; her in-laws, Pasquale and Venera LaRocca; and brothers- and sister-in-law, Anthony and Mary LaRocca, Anthony and Mary Leone, Armond and Viola Masciola and Patsy and Vienna Sallustio.

Friends will be received from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Buechele Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 707 Kellys Way, East Brady, Pa 16028.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at St. Patrick Church, with Rev. Thomas Federline, former St. Patrick Parish priest, celebrating.

Private burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The LaRocca Family Scholarship at the Club Managers Association of America, 1733 King Street, Alexandria, Va. 22314, or to the donor’s church or charitable organization of their choice.

(special notice)